This thread got me curious, so I tried removing my Combustion's string retainer. It still works perfectly without it, no loose strings or anything like that.

[quote="Smallmouth_Bass":3q3roll0]If I recall correctly Guitarded upgraded his tuners to Hipshots, so the string posts are tapered which assures that the string wraps stay low on the post so that there is enough downward pressure at the nut. The stock Combustion tuner string posts are straight, so the retainer bar assures that the strings will sit right on the nut.[/quote:3q3roll0] You can wrap low on the post with any type tuner shaft, tapered or not. The wraps above will push the string right to the bottom of the shaft, all the way to the tuner packing nut. I've strung my basses like this for years figuring it will provide more stable tuning. Sheldon prefers to use as few wraps as possible. Different strokes. Only the 3 middle strings on the C bass need pressure from the retainer, but I was just able to ditch the retainer on mine by wrapping low. Mark

Thanks Sheldon! And Smallmouth!

The ideal height is just enough down pressure to prevent vibration from passing through the nut. The B and G tuners angle the strings enough that they don't really need any extra help.

If I recall correctly Guitarded upgraded his tuners to Hipshots, so the string posts are tapered which assures that the string wraps stay low on the post so that there is enough downward pressure at the nut. The stock Combustion tuner string posts are straight, so the retainer bar assures that the strings will sit right on the nut.

Thanks, I guess I am wondering if it will affect the sound in some way. My middle string is almost level so I think it needs to be pulled down, unless I re wrap the string on the tuning post and try to get it a bit lower.

Guitarded took his right off without any problems iirc, so I don't think it's a big deal. Another Saskatchewanite huh? Welcome to the forum!